Buckingham Palace

Written by Norm Katz

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and is also the administrative headquarters of the British Monarchy. It houses the offices of those who support the day-to-day activities and duties of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness,The Duke of Edinburgh and their immediate family. Buckingham Palace is the centre for State ceremonies and official entertaining for The British Monarchy and is one of the few working royal palaces left in the world today. The Changing of the Guard, probably the best known aspect of Buckingham Palace, dates back hundreds of years when the ruling

monarch had absolute power and needed protection from enemies.

Touring Buckingham Palace

Visitors may visit the State Rooms, (August 4 to September 30, 2001, 9:30- 4:30), and the Royal Mews, (Monday to Thursday, 12:00-4:00 October-July, 10:30-4:30 August and September. Visitors may also watch the Changing of the Guard, which takes place in the forecourt of the Palace at 11:30 each day during April and May, and on alternate days during the rest of the year. The ceremony takes 45 minutes. Arrive early for a good view.

The State Rooms

The State Rooms are

lavishly furnished with some of the world's great art including paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, sculpture by Canova and Chantrey, and some of the finest English and French furniture in the world.

The Royal Mews

The Royal Mews is one of the finest working stables in existence. It houses the Monarch's State carriages, including the Gold State Coach built in 1762.

The Queens Gallery

The Queen's Gallery is currently undergoing redevelopment that will double the size of its display space to create year-round exhibitions of paintings, drawings and watercolors, jewellery, furniture, porcelain and other magnificent works of art from the Royal Collection. The Queen's Gallery

reopens for the Golden Jubilee in 2002.

History Of Buckingham Palace

King George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife Queen Charlotte to use as a comfortable family home close to St James's Palace, where many court functions were held. In 1826 King George IV decided to transform the house into a Palace. Queen Victoria was the first sovereign to take up residence in 1837, and the first British sovereign to leave from Buckingham Palace for a Coronation. The present Forecourt of the Palace where the Changing of the

Guard takes place was formed in 1911.

Buckingham Palace is located on Buckingham Palace Road, SW1, London, England. The State Rooms will be open to visitors from August 4 to September 30, 2001 between 9:30 and 4:30. The Royal Mews is open Monday-Thursday 12:00-4:00 October-July. August to September 10:30-4:30. Visiting The State Rooms: Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day From the Ticket Office in Green Park, open 9:00-4:00, July 28 to September 30. Adult - 11.00 Pounds; Over 60- 9.00 Pounds; Under 17- 5.50 Pounds; Under 5-Free; Family (2 Adult, 2 Under 17)- 27.50 Pounds. Advance Tickets: may be ordered through the Royal Collection Website or by telephoning (+44) (020) 7321 2233. A booking fee of 1.00 Pounds per ticket applies. All major credit cards are accepted. Visiting The Royal Mews: Buying a ticket: Adult- 4.60 Pounds; Over 60 3.60 Pounds; Under 17- 2.60 Pounds; Under 5- Free; Family- 11.80 Pounds. Groups: please contact the Visitor Office for group rates.

Further information is available by telephoning Buckingham Palace in London, England at (020)-7839 1377.